2009 Vauxhall Astra 1.2L Diesel · EY59 VOC

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, though the maintenance trend shows a shift toward reactive rather than preventative care. The most recent test on 17 October 2025 at 149,958 miles resulted in a pass following a failure for a blown offside stop lamp and a leaking nearside rear shock absorber. While the electrical fault was rectified immediately, the presence of oil misting on the shock indicates the component is beginning to reach the end of its functional life and requires monitoring. At 149,958 miles, this seventeen-year-old Astra has averaged approximately 8,821 miles per year, which aligns with typical UK usage for a vehicle of this age. The records show a consistent usage pattern, with roughly 4,200 miles covered between October 2023 and October 2024, and another 4,213 miles in the year leading up to the latest test. This regularity suggests the car is not sat stationary for long periods, which helps prevent the degradation of seals and rubber components. A buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of the suspension system, as the flagged nearside rear shock absorber suggests potential wear across the entire rear axle. The history also reveals a lapse in brake maintenance, evidenced by the October 2023 failure where rear pads were found below the legal 1.5mm limit. While the vehicle passed the subsequent test, the remaining life of the pads and the condition of the discs should be verified for thinning or scoring. Additionally, the previous emissions failure in 2023 indicates the engine may have shown signs of poor combustion or sensor issues, which should be monitored for increased smoke or rough idling during a test drive.